Click, written by Kayla Miller, reviewed by Anneliese White

Summary: Olive is in the fifth grade, and is excited when her teacher Mr. Florez announces that her fifth grade class will be having a variety show. She seems to get along and be friends with everyone in her class, but as the plans for the variety show unfold, Olive seems to be left out. Groups start forming to do a karate bit, a singing and dancing group, and so on, but no one asks Olive to join them. She starts to feel very left out and unwanted when she goes home. Her mom wants to step in and call other parents to help Olive be included in their kids’ groups, but Olive does not want her mom to intervene, and wants her friends to invite her of their own volition. Eventually, her Aunt Molly comes to save the day, showing her DVDs of old variety shows to give Olive inspiration. Olive has a grand idea that will make her feel included in the variety show, and do so on her terms. Instead of heeding to the formation of cliques, she makes herself a spot that “clicks” with ALL of her classmates.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This will be a popular graphic novel in the collection and has a fantastic message for teachers and librarians to use with students. As 5th grade ends and middle school begins, cliques are almost always beginning, and this graphic novel poignantly portrays the hurt many kids feel when social groups change and they feel left out. Olive demonstrates such a great message that it’s still important to be kind to others but also be true to yourself. The illustrations, done by Miller, are well done and feature a diversity in characters. Click portrays a difficult topic in a lighthearted way, and will open up discussions for your students. Definitely a must add.